Irish American cop killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call in California

Officer Tara O’Sullivan died in the line of duty on Thursday morning in Sacramento, California

Irish American police officer Tara O’Sullivan, 26, has died after being shot while attending to a domestic disturbance call in Sacramento, California.

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Officer O’Sullivan, a graduate of Sacramento State, was hired by the Sacramento Police Department in January of 2018 as a Community Service Officer. In July of that same year, she entered the police academy as a police recruit and graduated from the academy on December 20, 2018.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, the Sacramento Police Department confirmed Officer O’Sullivan’s death, saying “She gave her young life while protecting our community:”

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On Thursday morning, the Sacramento Police Department issued a press release, but noted that investigations are ongoing and information is subject to change.

"On June 19, 2019, at approximately 11:43 a.m., the Sacramento Police Department received a call regarding a disturbance between a male and a female. Officers made contact with the involved female at a residence in the 3700 block of Esperanza Drive."

"At approximately 5:41 p.m. officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of Redwood Avenue to standby while the involved female gathered some belongings from a residence."

"Later, at 5:41 pm, officers responded to a separate residence to standby while the involved female gathered some belongings from a residence."

"At approximately 6:10 p.m., officers on scene reported shots had been fired, and an officer was struck by gunfire. The suspect continued to fire multiple times and the officers believed the gun used by the suspect was a rifle type firearm."

"At approximately 6:54 p.m., additional officers responded with an armored vehicle to rescue the officer that had been shot. At approximately 6:59 p.m., the officer was transported to a local area hospital."

"Officers remained on scene and secured a perimeter to contain the suspect who sporadically shot at officers. Throughout this prolonged event, multiple officers returned fire. Officers also evacuated nearby residents in the area."

"Officers from the Crisis Negotiation Team eventually established communication with the suspect. Several hours later, at approximately 1:54 a.m., on June 20, 2019, the suspect surrendered and was safely taken into custody. Officers secured the scene for CSI and detectives."

"The officer who was shot, Tara Christina O’Sullivan, succumbed to her injuries after being transported to the hospital."

Sacramento City Manager Howard Chan said: “We are heartbroken for the loss of Tara O’Sullivan, an officer who served our community and the Sacramento Police Department with honor, integrity, and commitment. Our hearts and thoughts are with her family, friends, and colleagues during this tragic time, and we at the City of Sacramento share in their immense grief.”

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg said: “To Tara’s parents and family, and Tara’s fellow officers, I am so sorry. As a father, I am grieving with you. As Mayor of the city she swore to protect, our city is heartbroken and we are here for you every step of the way.”

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Earlier on Thursday, the Sacramento Police Department shared this video offering updates regarding the situation and tragic death of Officer O’Sullivan: